(19)

(11)

EP 0 964 979 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 22.12.1999 Bulletin 1999/51 (21) Application number: 98908772.0 (22) Date of filing: 02.03.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  E21F 13/ 00( . ) B65G 21/ 14( . ) B65G 41/ 02( . ) B65G 21/ 00( . ) B65G 41/ 00( . ) E21F 13/ 08( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1998/003902 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/039554 (11.09.1998 Gazette 1998/36)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 03.03.1997 US 19970811431 (60) Divisional application: 01100658.2 / 1096106 (71) Applicant: Long-Airdox Company Blacksburg, VA 24060 (US)	(72) Inventor: RIFFE, Shirley, D. Crab Orchard, WV 25827 (US) (74) Representative: Bérogin, Francis, et al  Cabinet Plasseraud 84, rue d'Amsterdam 75440 Paris Cedex 09 75440 Paris Cedex 09 (FR)